The Toronto Student Transportation Group is an initiative between both the Toronto Catholic District School Board and the Toronto District School Board. Our goal is to ensure the health and safety of our students through various modes of transportation and to help families make informed decisions regarding their transportation choices when accessing education here in Toronto.
Spotlight
Good Information – It Starts with the Forms
How do we get that student from your house onto that school bus? It starts with the transportation forms. Delivery of appropriate and timely school bus service depends on us receiving all the correct information.
If we do not have all information it will cause delays in providing transportation for a student. It may even be refused i.e. if the program is left blank, we assume that it is a regular student, and they may not qualify for transportation under the Board Transportation Policy, when the student really has a special education designation and as such are entitled to transportation.
It is also important that we have the address and phone number for babysitters and/or Daycare facilities. We may need to reach someone in the event of an emergency.
If you have any accessibility issues it is important that you discuss this with the school and the specific information is recorded on our forms so that we can ensure we met the needs of our students and families.
Our thanks to everyone out there that helps ensure we have good information.
“Why do they call it rush hour when nothing moves”
by Robin Williams
Current News
We're verifying transportation information for September 2017. If you plan on moving or your transportation address or needs change please contact the school as soon as possible so they can send us your updated information. If we don't receive your information in a timely manner we may not be able to have the service ready for early September.
Bus students and parents are reminded that extra caution should be taken during the winter months. Please take a moment and review this important information with your children.
· Children should be dressed appropriately for the colder weather. Unexpected mechanical problems with the bus may occur more frequently at this time of year. Children must be prepared for this as buses cool off very quickly.
· Toronto schools rarely close and bus routes are rarely cancelled due to snow or cold temperatures. Assume that schools are open and buses are running unless you hear otherwise through the local media.
· Usually cold or stormy weather can result in bus schedules being unavoidably delayed. We encourage parents to use extra caution with children on those days. Children should be accompanied to the bus stop or have very clear instructions on what to do if the bus does not arrive. Never leave children at the stop with no backup arrangements for an emergency.
· A build-up of ice and snow can create a safety hazard for children waiting at the bus stop. Ensure that your child understands the importance of standing back from the curb as the bus approaches the bus stop.
· Children will find it easier to walk through the ice and snow when their school books and lunches are carried in a back pack. It is also much safer for them to board the bus with their hands free to use the bus handrail.
· Tell your child never to exit the bus into a snow bank. If the bus stops and the child is unable to get out because the exit is blocked by snow, have your child tell the driver the path is not clear.
· Make sure children stay off snow banks piled near the street. While they are attractive nuisances, those snow banks can cause a child to fall into the roadway and in front of oncoming traffic.
Information
Fast Facts
- Number of buses: 1758
- Number of students transported: 56,617
- Total distance traveled: 71,241 km
- Annual budget: $90 M
- Number of carriers: 7
- Change requests each September: 1400
